Polycarbonate compositions, articles formed therefrom, and methods of making same

Abstract

The polycarbonate composition includes specified amounts of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard, and a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. This composition can provide a combination of desirable properties, including good flammability, chemical resistance, and aesthetic properties.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to polycarbonate compositions, articles formed therefrom, and methods of making the same. The compositions described herein can exhibit advantageous properties such as improved aesthetics, flame retardancy, and improved chemical resistance.

[0002] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of European Patent Application No. 22197866.1, filed September 26, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Polycarbonates are useful in a wide variety of applications due, at least in part, to their good balance of properties such as moldability, heat resistance, and impact resistance, among others. Despite extensive research into these materials over the years, there remains a need in the art for improved polycarbonate compositions that meet increasingly stringent industry standards.

[0004] For example, polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymers can have good mechanical properties and low-temperature impact resistance. However, blending polycarbonate homopolymers with such polycarbonate polysiloxanes can impair the aesthetics of molded parts. Aesthetic defects can include excessive haze, limited color space performance, pearlescence, or other molding-related surface defects such as streaks and flow lines. Conventional attempts to improve aesthetics can compromise other desirable properties, such as low-temperature impact resistance, flame retardancy, and chemical resistance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, there remains a need in the art for polycarbonate compositions that offer a balance of aesthetics, flame retardancy, and chemical resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a polycarbonate composition comprising 80 to 90 weight percent of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard, and 10 to 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer, wherein the polycarbonate composition contains less than 5 weight percent of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent.

[0007] Another aspect is a method of making a polycarbonate composition, comprising melt mixing the components of the composition and optionally extruding the composition.

[0008] Another aspect is an article comprising the polycarbonate composition.

[0009] The above-mentioned features and other features are exemplified by the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present inventors have discovered that polycarbonate compositions containing specific amounts of bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and polycarbonate-siloxane copolymers having specific molecular weights can provide a desirable combination of properties. For example, compositions according to the present disclosure have been found to exhibit improved aesthetic properties, flame retardancy, flowability, and chemical resistance.

[0011] Thus, one aspect of the present disclosure is a polycarbonate composition. The polycarbonate composition includes bisphenol A homopolycarbonate. The bisphenol A homopolycarbonate is represented by the formula (1): [ka] (1) It has the repeating structural carbonate unit: Bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymers can be produced from bisphenol A (2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, or BPA) by known processes such as interfacial polymerization and melt polymerization, as described, for example, in WO 2013 / 175448 A1 and WO 2014 / 072923 A1. Endcapping agents can be included to provide terminal groups during polymerization, such as monocyclic phenols, e.g., phenol, p-cyanophenol, and C 1~22Examples of suitable endcapping agents include alkyl-substituted phenols such as p-cumylphenol, resorcinol monobenzoate, and p-tert-butylphenol, monoethers of diphenols such as p-methoxyphenol, monoesters of diphenols such as resorcinol monobenzoate, functionalized chlorides of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids such as acryloyl chloride and methacryloyl chloride, and monochloroformates such as phenyl chloroformate, alkyl-substituted phenyl chloroformates, p-cumylphenyl chloroformate, and toluene chloroformate. Phenol and para-cumylphenol are particularly preferred. Combinations of different endcapping agents can be used. Branched polycarbonate blocks can be prepared by adding branching agents during polymerization, such as trimellitic acid, trimellitic anhydride, trimellitic trichloride, tris-p-hydroxyphenylethane, isatin-bis-phenol, tris-phenol TC (1,3,5-tris((p-hydroxyphenyl)isopropyl)benzene), tris-phenol PA (4(4(1,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl)alpha,alpha-dimethylbenzyl)phenol), 4-chloroformylphthalic anhydride, trimesic acid, and benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid. The branching agents can be added at levels of 0.05 to 4.0 weight percent (wt%), e.g., 0.05 to 2.0 wt%. Combinations including linear and branched polycarbonates can be used. In one embodiment, the bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer can be a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer optionally end-capped with phenol or para-cumylphenol.

[0012] The bisphenol A homopolycarbonate may have a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater, for example, 28,000-100,000 g / mol, 28,000-75,000 g / mol, 28,000-40,000 g / mol, 28,000-38,000 g / mol, or 29,000-45,000 g / mol. Molecular weight can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column calibrated to bisphenol A polycarbonate standards. GPC samples are prepared at a concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter (mg / mL) and eluted at a flow rate of 1.5 mL / min.

[0013] In one embodiment, there may be two or more bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymers. For example, the bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer may include a first bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer having a first weight average molecular weight and a second bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer having a second weight average molecular weight, where the first and second weight average molecular weights are not the same.

[0014] Preferably, the weight average molecular weight of both the first and second bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymers is 28,000 g / mol or greater. If present, the weight ratio of the first bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater to the second bisphenol A polycarbonate homopolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater can be from 10:1 to 1:10, or from 5:1 to 1:5, or from 3:1 to 1:3, or from 2:1 to 1:2.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate may comprise a first linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 32,000 to 38,000 grams / mole, preferably 34,000 to 36,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards, or a second linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 32,000 grams / mole, preferably 30,000 to 31,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In one embodiment, the composition may optionally include a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of less than 28,000 g / mol. For example, the composition may further include a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol, preferably 20,000 to 22,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards. When present, the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of less than 28,000 g / mol is present in a weight ratio of bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater to bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight less than 28,000 g / mol greater than 1:1, preferably greater than 2:1.

[0017] The combined weight average molecular weight of all bisphenol A homopolycarbonates present in the composition is 28,000 g / mol or greater. In other words, if a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight less than 28,000 g / mol is present in the composition, it may be present in an amount such that the combined weight average molecular weight of all bisphenol A homopolycarbonates present in the composition is 28,000 g / mol or greater.

[0018] The bisphenol A homopolycarbonate may be present in the composition in an amount from 80 to 90 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Within this range, the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate may be present in an amount from 80 to 87 weight percent, or from 80 to 85 weight percent, respectively, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0019] In addition to the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate, the composition further comprises a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer is also known as polycarbonate-siloxane. The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer comprises carbonate repeating units and siloxane units. The carbonate units are formed from a bisphenol of formula (2) or a diphenol of formula (3). [ka] (2) [ka] (3) [In formula (2), R a and R b are each independently 1~12 Alkyl, C 1~12 Alkenyl, C 3~8 Cycloalkyl, or C 1~12 alkoxy, p and q are each independently 0 to 4, and X a represents a single bond, -O-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, a group of the formula -C(R c )(R d )-C 1~11 Alkylidene (where R c and R d are each independently hydrogen or C 1~10 alkyl), or of the formula -C(=R e )-(where R e is a divalent C 1~10 In formula (3), each R h are independently a halogen atom, e.g., bromine, and C 1~10Hydrocarbyl groups, such as C 1~10 Alkyl, halogen-substituted C 1~10 Alkyl, C 6~10 Aryl or halogen-substituted C 6~10 aryl, and n is 0 to 4].

[0020] In one embodiment of formulas (2) and (3), R a and R b are each independently C 1~3 Alkyl or C 1~3 alkoxy, p and q are each independently 0 or 1, and X a represents a single bond, -O-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, and the formula -C(R c )(R d )-(wherein, R c and R d are each independently hydrogen or C 1~10 C of alkyl 1~11 alkylidene, and each R h are independently bromine, C 1~3 Alkyl, halogen-substituted C 1~3 It is alkyl, and n is 0 to 1.

[0021] In one embodiment of formulas (2) and (3), R a and R b are each independently C 1~3 alkyl, p and q are each independently 0 or 1, and X a represents a single bond, -O-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, and the formula -C(R c )(R d )-(wherein, R c and R d are each independently hydrogen or C 1~10 C of alkyl 1~11 alkylidene, and each R h are independently bromine, C 1~3 Alkyl, halogen-substituted C 1~3 It is alkyl, and n is 0 to 1.

[0022] In one embodiment of formula (2), p and q are each independently 0, and X a is a single bond, -O-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, the formula -C(R c )(R d )-(wherein, R c and R d are each independently hydrogen or C 1~10 C of alkyl 1~11 It is an alkylidene.

[0023] In one embodiment of formula (2), p and q are each independently 0, and X a is the formula -C(R c )(R d )-(wherein, R c and R d are each independently hydrogen or C 1~10 C of alkyl 1~11 It is an alkylidene.

[0024] In one embodiment of formula (2), p and q are each independently 0, and X a is the formula -C(R c )(R d )-(wherein, R c and R d are each independently C 1~10 alkyl, preferably methyl) 1~11 It is an alkylidene.

[0025] Examples of bisphenol compounds (2) include BPA, 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl, 1,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylmethane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-naphthylmethane, 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylethane, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propane, and bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) Phenylmethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-bromophenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(hydroxyphenyl)cyclopentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)isobutene, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclododecane, trans-2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butene, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)adamantane, α,α'-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)toluene, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetonitrile , 2,2-bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-ethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-n-propyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-isopropyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-sec-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-cyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane phenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dibromo-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(5-phenoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene, 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, 1,6-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,Examples of suitable bisphenols include 6-hexanedione, ethylene glycol bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ether, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfide, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfoxide, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene, 2,7-dihydroxypyrene, 6,6'-dihydroxy-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylspiro(bis)indane (spirobiindane bisphenol), 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimide, 2,6-dihydroxydibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,6-dihydroxythianthrene, 2,7-dihydroxyphenoxathin, 2,7-dihydroxy-9,10-dimethylphenazine, 3,6-dihydroxydibenzofuran, 3,6-dihydroxydibenzothiophene, and 2,7-dihydroxycarbazole. Combinations containing different bisphenol compounds can also be used.

[0026] Examples of the diphenol compound (3) include resorcinol, substituted resorcinol compounds such as 5-methylresorcinol, 5-ethylresorcinol, 5-propylresorcinol, 5-butylresorcinol, 5-t-butylresorcinol, 5-phenylresorcinol, 5-cumylresorcinol, 2,4,5,6-tetrafluororesorcinol, and 2,4,5,6-tetrabromoresorcinol; catechol; hydroquinone; and substituted hydroquinones such as 2-methylhydroquinone, 2-ethylhydroquinone, 2-propylhydroquinone, 2-butylhydroquinone, 2-t-butylhydroquinone, 2-phenylhydroquinone, 2-cumylhydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylhydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetra-t-butylhydroquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorohydroquinone, and 2,3,5,6-tetrabromohydroquinone. Combinations comprising different diphenol compounds can be used.

[0027] In one embodiment, the carbonate units may be bisphenol carbonate units derived from a bisphenol of formula (2): A preferred bisphenol is bisphenol A (BPA).

[0028] The siloxane units (also called polysiloxane blocks) can optionally be represented by the formula (4): [ka] (4) wherein each R is independently C 1~13 is a monovalent organic group For example, R is C 1~13 Alkyl, C 1~13 Alkoxy, C 2~13 Alkenyl, C 2~13 Alkenyloxy, C 3~6 Cycloalkyl, C 3~6 Cycloalkoxy, C 6~14 Aryl, C 6~10 Aryloxy, C 7~13 Aryl alkylene, C 7~13 Arylalkyleneoxy, C 7~13 Alkyl arylene, or C 7~13 The R groups may be alkylaryleneoxy. The aforementioned groups may be fully or partially halogenated with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, when a transparent poly(carbonate-siloxane) is desired, R is not substituted with a halogen. Combinations of the aforementioned R groups may be used in the same copolymer.

[0029] In one embodiment, R is C 1~3 Alkyl, C 1~3 Alkoxy, C 3~6 Cycloalkyl, C 3~6 Cycloalkoxy, C 6~14 Aryl, C 6~10aryloxy, C7 arylalkylene, C7 arylalkyleneoxy, C7 alkylarylene, or C7 alkylaryleneoxy. In one embodiment, R is methyl, trifluoromethyl, or phenyl, preferably methyl.

[0030] The value of E in formula (4) can vary widely depending on the type and relative amounts of each component in the polycarbonate composition, the desired properties of the composition, and similar considerations. Generally, E has an average value of 2 to 1,000, or 2 to 500, or 2 to 200, or 2 to 125, or 5 to 80, or 10 to 70. In one embodiment, E has an average value of 10 to 80, or 10 to 60, or 10 to 40. In yet another embodiment, E has an average value of 40 to 80 or 40 to 70, and in yet another embodiment, E has an average value of 10 to 100, or 20 to 60, or 30 to 50.

[0031] In one embodiment, the siloxane unit is represented by formula (5): [ka] (5) wherein E is as defined above in the context of formula (4), each R may be the same or different and is as defined above in the context of formula (4), Ar may be the same or different, and may be a substituted or unsubstituted C 6~30 arylene, and the bond is directly attached to the aromatic moiety. The Ar group in formula (5) is C 6~30It can be derived from a dihydroxyarylene compound, for example, a dihydroxy compound of formula (3). Exemplary dihydroxyarylene compounds are 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-1-methylphenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl sulfide), and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl)propane, or a combination thereof.

[0032] Specific examples of the siloxane unit of formula (5) include those of formula (5a) and formula (5b): [ka] (5a) [ka] (5b) Examples include:

[0033] In one embodiment, the siloxane unit is represented by formula (6): [ka] (6) wherein R and E are as defined above in the context of formula (4), and each R 5 are independently divalent C 1~30 the organic group, and the polymerized polysiloxane units are the reactive residues of the corresponding dihydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the polydiorganosiloxane blocks are represented by formula (7): [ka] (7) wherein R and E are as defined above in the context of formula (4). R in equation (7) 6 is a divalent C 2~8 Each M in formula (7) may be the same or different and may be a halogen atom, a cyano atom, a nitro atom, a C 1~8 Alkylthio, C 1~8 Alkyl, C 1~8 Alkoxy, C 2~8 Alkenyl, C 2~8 Alkenyloxy, C 3~8 Cycloalkyl, C 3~8 Cycloalkoxy, C 6~10 Aryl, C 6~10 Aryloxy, C 7~12 Aralkyl, C 7~12 Arylalkyleneoxy, C 7~12 Alkyl arylene, or C 7~12 alkylaryleneoxy, where each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

[0034] In one embodiment, M is bromine or chlorine, alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, or propyl, alkoxy, such as methoxy, ethoxy, or propoxy, or aryl, such as phenyl, chlorophenyl, or tolyl; R 6 is dimethylene, trimethylene, or tetramethylene; R is C 1~8 In one embodiment, R is methyl, or a combination of methyl and trifluoropropyl, or a combination of methyl and phenyl. In one embodiment, R is methyl, M is methoxy, n is 1, and R 6 is a divalent C 1~3 The specific polydiorganosiloxane blocks are of the formula: [ka] (7a) [ka] (7b) [ka] (7c) or a combination thereof, wherein the average value of E is 10 to 100, preferably 20 to 60, more preferably 30 to 50, or 40 to 50.

[0035] The block of formula (7) can be derived from the corresponding dihydroxypolydiorganosiloxane by known methods. Polycarbonate-siloxanes can be prepared by introducing phosgene into a mixture of bisphenol and end-capped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) under interfacial reaction conditions. Other known methods may also be used.

[0036] In one embodiment, the poly(carbonate-siloxane) comprises carbonate units derived from bisphenol A and repeating siloxane units (5a), (5b), (7a), (7b), (7c), or combinations thereof (preferably those of formula 7a), and the average value of E is 10 to 100, preferably 20 to 80, or 30 to 70, and more preferably 30 to 50 or 40 to 50.

[0037] The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may have a siloxane content of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the total weight of the second polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. Within this range, the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may have a siloxane content of 35 to 65 weight percent, or 35 to 60 weight percent, or 30 to 50 weight percent, or 35 to 55 weight percent, or 35 to 45 weight percent. As used herein, the "siloxane content" of a poly(carbonate-siloxane) refers to the content of siloxane units based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer.

[0038] The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may have a weight average molecular weight of 21,000 to 50,000 g / mol. Within this range, the weight average molecular weight may be 25,000 to 45,000 g / mol, 30,000 to 45,000 g / mol, 32,000 to 43,000 g / mol, 34,000 to 41,000 g / mol, or 35,000 to 40,000 g / mol. The weight average molecular weight may be measured by gel permeation chromatography using a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column at a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter and calibrated with bisphenol A polycarbonate standards.

[0039] The composition contains less than 5 weight percent, or 1 weight percent or less, or 0.1 weight percent or less of polycarbonate siloxanes having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent, or a siloxane content of less than 10 weight percent. Preferably, polycarbonate-siloxanes having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent, or a siloxane content of less than 10 weight percent, are excluded from the composition.

[0040] The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may be present in the composition in an amount to provide a total siloxane content of 3 to 14 weight percent, or 3 to 12 weight percent, or 3 to 10 weight percent, or 3 to 8 weight percent, or 3 to 6 weight percent, or 3 to 4 weight percent, or 3 to 7.5 weight percent, or 7.5 to 14 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition.

[0041] The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may be present in the composition in an amount of 10 to 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Within this range, the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may be present in an amount of, for example, greater than 12 to 20 weight percent, or 12 to 18 weight percent, or 13 to 17 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition.

[0042] In one embodiment, either or both of the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may be derived from post-consumer recycled or post-industrial recycled materials. In one embodiment, either or both of the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may be produced from at least one monomer derived from a bio-based or plastic waste feedstock.

[0043] The polycarbonate composition may optionally further comprise an additive composition containing one or more additives typically incorporated into polymer compositions of this type, provided that the one or more additives are selected so as not to significantly adversely affect the desired properties of the polycarbonate composition, particularly impact resistance, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy. Additives may include fillers, reinforcing agents, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, light stabilizers, ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, mold release agents, antistatic agents, colorants (e.g., titanium dioxide, carbon black, and organic dyes), surface effect additives, radiation stabilizers, flame retardants, and anti-drip agents. Combinations of additives, such as combinations of heat stabilizers, mold release agents, and UV light stabilizers, may also be used. Generally, additives are used in amounts generally known to be effective. For example, the total amount of additives (excluding any impact modifiers, fillers, or reinforcing agents) may be 0.01 to 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition. In one embodiment, the polycarbonate composition comprises 5 weight percent or less of a processing aid, heat stabilizer, antioxidant, ultraviolet light absorber, colorant, or combination thereof, based on the weight of the composition.

[0044] In one embodiment, the composition may further comprise a flame retardant. Useful flame retardants may include organic compounds containing phosphorus, bromine, or chlorine. Due to regulatory reasons, non-brominated and non-chlorinated phosphorus-containing flame retardants, such as organic phosphate esters and organic compounds containing phosphorus-nitrogen bonds, may be preferred in certain applications.

[0045] Aromatic phosphate esters that are flame retardants include triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, isopropylated triphenyl phosphate, phenyl bis(dodecyl)phosphate, phenyl bis(neopentyl)phosphate, phenyl bis(3,5,5'-trimethylhexyl)phosphate, ethyl diphenyl phosphate, 2-ethylhexyl di(p-tolyl)phosphate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)p-tolyl phosphate, tritolyl phosphate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phenyl phosphate, tri(nonylphenyl)phosphate, bis(dodecyl)p-tolyl phosphate, dibutylphenyl phosphate, 2-chloroethyl diphenyl phosphate, p-tolyl bis(2,5,5'-trimethylhexyl)phosphate, and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate. Di- or polyfunctional aromatic phosphorus-containing compounds are also useful, such as resorcinol tetraphenyl diphosphate (RDP), the bis(diphenyl) phosphate of hydroquinone, and the bis(diphenyl) phosphate of bisphenol A, and their oligomeric and polymeric counterparts.

[0046] Flame retardant compounds containing phosphorus-nitrogen bonds include phosphazenes, phosphonitrilic acid chlorides, phosphoric acid ester amides, phosphoric acid amides, phosphonic acid amides, phosphinic acid amides, and tris(aziridinyl)phosphine oxide. These flame retardant additives are commercially available.

[0047] Halogenated substances can also be used as flame retardants, for example, bisphenols, the following being representative: 2,2-bis-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-propane; bis-(2-chlorophenyl)-methane; bis(2,6-dibromophenyl)-methane; 1,1-bis-(4-iodophenyl)-ethane; 1,2-bis-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-ethane; 1,1-bis-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-ethane. 1,1-bis-(2-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-ethane; 1,1-bis-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-ethane; 2,2-bis-(3-phenyl-4-bromophenyl)-ethane; 2,6-bis-(4,6-dichloronaphthyl)-propane; and 2,2-bis-(3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane 2,2 bis-(3-bromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane. Other halogenated materials include 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,3-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzene, and biphenyls such as 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl, polybrominated 1,4-diphenoxybenzene, 2,4'-dibromobiphenyl, and 2,4'-dichlorobiphenyl, and decabromodiphenyl oxide, as well as oligomeric and polymeric halogenated aromatic compounds such as the copolycarbonate of bisphenol A and tetrabromobisphenol A, and carbonate precursors such as phosgene. Metal synergists, such as antimony oxide, can also be used with the flame retardants.

[0048] Alternatively, the thermoplastic composition may be essentially free of chlorine and bromine, which is defined as having a bromine or chlorine content of 100 parts per million (ppm) or less, 75 ppm or less, or 50 ppm or less, based on the total parts by weight of the composition.

[0049] Inorganic flame retardants can also be used, for example, C 1~16Alkyl sulfonates, such as potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate (Rimar's salt), potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate, tetraethylammonium perfluorohexanesulfonate, and potassium diphenylsulfonesulfonate; NaCO 3、 K2CO 3、 MgCO 3、 CaCO 3、 and salts such as BaCO3, or fluoroanion complexes such as Li3AlF 6、 BaSiF 6、 KBF 4、 K3AlF 6、 KAlF 4、 K2SiF 6、 Or Na3AlF6.

[0050] When present, the flame retardant may be included in the composition in an amount of 0.01 to 10 weight percent. Within this range, the flame retardant may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent, or 1 to 8 weight percent, or 2 to 6 weight percent, or 3 to 5 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, when the flame retardant includes an inorganic flame retardant, the flame retardant may be present in an amount of 0.05 to 1 weight percent.

[0051] Heat stabilizer additives may include organic phosphites (e.g., triphenyl phosphite, tris-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphite, tris-(mixed mono- and di-nonylphenyl) phosphite, etc.), phosphonates (e.g., dimethylbenzene phosphonate, etc.), phosphates (e.g., trimethyl phosphate, etc.), or combinations thereof. The heat stabilizer may be tris(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate, available as IRGAPHOS 168. Heat stabilizers are generally used in amounts of 0.01 to 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of polymer in the composition.

[0052] Light stabilizers or ultraviolet light (UV) absorbing additives (also called UV stabilizers) can also be used. Light stabilizer additives include benzotriazoles, such as 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert-octylphenyl)benzotriazole, and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone, or combinations thereof.

[0053] UV absorbing additives include hydroxybenzophenones, hydroxybenzotriazoles, hydroxybenzotriazines, cyanoacrylates, oxanilides, benzoxazinones, aryl salicylates, monoesters of diphenols such as resorcinol monobenzoate, 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol (CYASORB 5411), 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxybenzophenone (CYASORB 531), 2-[4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-5-(octyloxy)-phenol (CYASORB 1164), 2,2'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one) (CYASORB UV-3638), and others.Poly[(6-morpholino-s-triazine-2,4-diyl)[(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]-hexamethylene[(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]], 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone (UVINUL™ 3008), 6-tert-butyl-2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenyl (UVINUL™ 3026), 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UVINUL™ 3027), 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol (UVINUL™ 3029), 1,3-bis[(2'cyano-3',3'-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-2,2-bis-{[(2'-cyano-3',3'-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl}-propane (UVINUL™ 3030) , 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (UVINUL3033), 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenol (UVINUL3034), ethyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate (UVINUL3035), (2-ethylhexyl)-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate (UVINUL3039), N,N'-bisformyl-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)hexamethylene Diamine (UVINUL4050H), bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-sebacate (UVINUL4077H), bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate + methyl-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate (UVINUL4092H) 1,3-bis[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-2,2-bis[[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl]propane (UVINUL3030);2,2'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one); 1,3-bis[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]-2,2-bis[[(2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacryloyl)oxy]methyl]propane; TINUVIN 234; all nanosized inorganic materials with particle sizes of 100 nanometers or less, such as titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, and zinc oxide, or combinations thereof. UV absorbers can be used in amounts of 0.01 to 1 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of polycarbonate and impact modifier. UV absorbers that may be particularly useful in the polycarbonate compositions disclosed herein include 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol (e.g., CYASORB 5411, commercially available from Cytec Industries, Inc., Woodland Park, NJ) and 2,2'-(1,4-phenylene)bis(4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one) (e.g., CYASORB UV-3638, commercially available from Cytec Industries, Inc., Woodland Park, NJ), or combinations thereof. The UV stabilizer may be present in an amount of 0.01 to 1 wt. %, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt. %, and more preferably 0.15 to 0.4 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition.

[0054] Plasticizers, lubricants, or mold release agents may also be used. There is considerable overlap among these types of materials, and they include, for example, phthalate esters such as dioctyl-4,5-epoxyhexahydrophthalate; tris-(octoxycarbonylethyl)isocyanurate; tristearin; difunctional or polyfunctional aromatic phosphates such as resorcinol tetraphenyl diphosphate (RDP), bis(diphenyl)phosphate of hydroquinone, and bis(diphenyl)phosphate of bisphenol A; poly-alpha-olefins; epoxidized soybean oil; silicones, including silicone oils; esters, for example, fatty acid esters, for example, alkylstearyl esters, for example, methyl stearate, stearyl stearate, pentaerythritol tetrastearate, and the like; combinations of methyl stearate with hydrophilic and hydrophobic nonionic surfactants, including polyethylene glycol polymers, polypropylene glycol polymers, poly(ethylene glycol-co-propylene glycol) copolymers, or combinations thereof, for example, methyl stearate and polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers in a suitable solvent; waxes, for example, beeswax, montan wax, paraffin wax, and the like.

[0055] Anti-drip agents, such as fibril-forming or non-fibril-forming fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), can also be used in the composition. The anti-drip agent can be encapsulated by a rigid copolymer, such as styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). PTFE encapsulated with SAN is known as TSAN. TSAN contains 50% by weight of PTFE and 50% by weight of SAN, based on the total weight of the encapsulating fluoropolymer. SAN may contain, for example, 75% by weight of styrene and 25% by weight of acrylonitrile, based on the total weight of the copolymer. The anti-drip agent may be used in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight percent, or 0.1 to 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0056] In one embodiment, the polycarbonate may include a colorant composition. Suitable colorants include, but are not limited to, the colorants known under the Color Index numbers Solvent Green 3, Solvent Green 28, Solvent Red 52, Solvent Red 111, Solvent Red 135, Solvent Red 169, Solvent Red 179, Solvent Red 207, Disperse Red 22, Vat Red 41, Solvent Orange 60, Solvent Orange 63, Solvent Violet 13, Solvent Violet 14, Solvent Violet 50, aminoketone black, solvent black 7, nigrosine dyes, disperse blue 73, solvent blue 97, solvent blue 101, solvent blue 104, solvent blue 138, disperse yellow 160, solvent yellow 84, solvent yellow 93, solvent yellow 98, solvent yellow 163, solvent yellow 160:1, and mixtures comprising at least one of the foregoing colorants.

[0057] The colorants can be employed in amounts and combinations sufficient to darken and opaque the molded article, more specifically, to provide the lightness values ​​described below. The specific amount of colorant employed will depend, among other factors, on the solubility and extinction coefficient of the colorant in the polycarbonate composition and whether it is employed in combination with one or more additional colorants. Suitable amounts and combinations can be readily determined by those skilled in the art guided by this disclosure. Typical colorant amounts can be, for example, 0.1 to 1 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition, e.g., 0.5 to 1 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

[0058] In one embodiment, when present, the colorant composition can provide the polycarbonate composition with a black color.

[0059] The polycarbonate composition may optionally be free of other components not specifically described herein. For example, the polycarbonate composition may be free of thermoplastic polymers other than bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. For example, the composition may minimize or be free of polyesters (e.g., polyesters may be present in an amount of 1 weight percent or less, and preferably, polyesters are not included in the composition). The composition may optionally be free of polycarbonates other than bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer, such as polyester-carbonates or bisphenol A copolycarbonates other than polycarbonate-siloxane copolymers. The polycarbonate composition may optionally minimize or be free of impact modifiers, such as silicone impact modifiers other than poly(carbonate-siloxane) copolymers, methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene, styrene copolymers, etc., or combinations thereof. The composition may optionally minimize or be free of halogenated flame retardants, such as brominated flame retardants, for example, brominated polycarbonates (e.g., polycarbonates containing brominated carbonates include units derived from 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo-4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol (TBBPA) and carbonate units derived from at least one dihydroxy aromatic compound that is not TBBPA), brominated epoxies, etc., or combinations thereof. The composition may optionally be free of phosphorus-containing flame retardants.

[0060] The compositions of the present disclosure can advantageously exhibit one or more desirable properties. For example, it has been surprisingly found that the compositions can exhibit low melt volume rates (MVRs). For example, polycarbonate compositions can exhibit a 10 cm melt volume rate (MVR) measured in accordance with ISO 1133 at 300°C under a load of 2.16 kg and a dwell time of 300 seconds. 3The polycarbonate composition may have a melt volume rate of 1 / 10 min or less. The polycarbonate composition may further exhibit a low melt viscosity (MV), indicating that the material is well processable despite its relatively low MVR. For example, in one embodiment, the polycarbonate composition may exhibit a shear rate of 5000 s according to ISO 11443. -1 The composition may have a melt viscosity, measured at 1000 kJ / min, of less than 200 Pa-s.

[0061] Furthermore, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the use of high siloxane content polycarbonate-siloxane copolymers in combination with bisphenol A homopolycarbonates of specific molecular weights also provides good chemical resistance and aesthetic properties.

[0062] The composition may have good chemical resistance. In one embodiment, a molded sample of the polycarbonate composition may have a tensile strain at break after 72 hours of exposure to an insect repellent or sunscreen using an ISO tensile bar at a temperature of 23°C under 1% strain that is at least 50% of the tensile strain at break of an unexposed reference material tested at the same temperature.

[0063] The polycarbonate composition may exhibit even better black color. For example, the polycarbonate composition may have an L* value of 10 or less, or 8 or less, or 7 or less, or 6 or less, when measured in reflection mode using a CIE Lab method at a 10-degree observation angle, a D65 illuminant, excluding specular light, and a 3.2 millimeter thick sample.

[0064] In one embodiment, the composition may also exhibit good flame retardancy. In one embodiment, the UL94 standard for measuring flame retardancy utilizes ratings of V0, V1, V2, or HB, with a V0 rating being better than V1 or V2 and required for many applications at practical part thicknesses. Using this standard, the polycarbonate composition is molded into a molded article of a predetermined thickness. The thinner the article, the more difficult it is to achieve a V0 or V1 rating. In one embodiment, molded samples of the polycarbonate composition can achieve a UL-94 V0 or V1 rating at a thickness of 1.5 millimeters or less, and preferably a UL-94 V0 or V1 rating at a thickness of 1.2 millimeters or less.

[0065] The polycarbonate composition according to the present disclosure may comprise 80 to 90 weight percent of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard, and 10 to 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer, and the polycarbonate composition may comprise less than 5 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent. The polycarbonate composition may have a 10 cm saturation point, as measured in accordance with ISO 1133, under a load of 2.16 kg, at 300°C, and a dwell time of 300 seconds. 3The bisphenol A homopolycarbonate may have a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 45,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards. The bisphenol A homopolycarbonate may comprise a first linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 32,000 to 38,000 grams / mole, preferably 34,000 to 36,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards; a second linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 32,000 grams / mole, preferably 30,000 to 31,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards; or a combination thereof. The polycarbonate composition may optionally further comprise a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol, preferably 20,000 to 22,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards, provided that the weight ratio of the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater to the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol is greater than 1:1, preferably greater than 2:1. The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may have a siloxane content of 35 to 65 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may comprise bisphenol A carbonate repeat units and poly(dimethylsiloxane) repeat units.The polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer may have a weight average molecular weight of 21,000 to 50,000 g / mol, or 25,000 to 45,000 g / mol, or 30,000 to 45,000 g / mol, or 32,000 to 43,000 g / mol, or 35,000 to 40,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography using a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column at a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter and calibrated with bisphenol A polycarbonate standards. The composition may be free of polycarbonate-siloxane copolymers having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent. The polycarbonate composition may further comprise 0.1 to 10 weight percent of an additive composition, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition. Molded samples of the composition exhibit one or more of: a UL-94 rating of V0 at a thickness of 1.5 millimeters or less; preferably a UL-94 rating of V0 at a thickness of 1.2 millimeters or less; an L* value of 10 or less when measured by the CIE Lab method in reflectance mode at a 10 degree observation angle, with a D65 illuminant and excluding specular reflection; and a tensile strain at break after exposure to a sunscreen or insect repellent that is at least 50% of the tensile strain at break of an unexposed reference sample.

[0066] Polycarbonate compositions can be produced by various methods known in the art. For example, powdered polycarbonate homopolymer, poly(carbonate siloxane), and other optional ingredients, optionally along with any fillers, are first blended in a high-speed mixer or by hand mixing. This blend is then fed to the throat of a twin-screw extruder via a hopper. Alternatively, at least one of the components can be incorporated into the composition by feeding it directly into the extruder throat and / or downstream via a side stuffer, or by compounding it into a masterbatch with the desired polymer and feeding it to the extruder. The extruder is generally operated at a temperature higher than that required to cause the composition to flow. The extrudate is immediately quenched in a water bath and pelletized. The pellets thus prepared can be 1 / 4 inch or less in length, if desired. These pellets can be used for subsequent molding, shaping, or forming.

[0067] Shaped, molded, cast, or molded articles comprising the polycarbonate composition are also provided. The polycarbonate composition can be formed into useful shaped articles by various methods, such as injection molding, extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. The article can be a molded article, a thermoformed article, an extruded film, an extruded sheet, a honeycomb structure, one or more layers of a multilayer article, a substrate for a coated article, or a substrate for a metallized article. Exemplary articles include computer and business equipment housings, such as monitor housings, portable electronic device housings, such as mobile phone housings, electrical connectors, and lighting fixture components, decorative items, home appliances, roofs, greenhouses, sunrooms, pool enclosures, electronic device cases, and signs. Additionally, the polycarbonate composition can be used in applications such as automotive paneling and trim. Examples of suitable articles include, but are not limited to, exterior and interior components of aircraft, automobiles, trucks, military vehicles (including automobiles, aircraft, and watercraft), scooters, and motorcycles, such as panels, quarter panels, rocker panels, trim, fenders, doors, deck lids, trunk lids, hoods, bonnets, roofs, bumpers, fascias, grilles, mirror housings, pillar appliques, and the like. appliques), cladding, body side moldings, wheel covers, hubcaps, door handles, spoilers, window frames, headlamp bezels, headlamps, tail lamps, tail lamp housings, tail lamp bezels, license plate frames, roof racks, and footboards; outdoor vehicle and equipment enclosures, housings, panels, and components; electrical and telecommunications equipment enclosures; outdoor furniture; aircraft components; boat and marine equipment, e.g., trim, enclosures, and housings; outboard motor housings; depth sounder housings; personal watercraft; jet skis; swimming pools; spas; hot tubs; stairs; step covers; architectural and construction applications, e.g., glass, roofs, windows, floors, decorative window features or trim; treated glass coverings for photographs, paintings, posters, and similar exhibits; wall panels and doors; countertops; protected graphics; outdoor and indoor signage;Enclosures, housings, panels and components for automated teller machines (ATMs); computers; desktop computers; portable computers; laptop computers; handheld computer housings; monitors; printers; keyboards; fax machines; copiers; telephones; telephone bezels; mobile phones; radio transmitters; radio receivers; lawn and garden tractors, mowers, and tools, including lawn and garden tool enclosures, housings, panels and components; window and door trim; sports equipment and toys; snowmobile enclosures, housings, panels and components; recreational vehicle panels and components; play equipment; shoelaces; articles made from wood-plastic composites; golf courses Examples of applications include: electrical markers; utility pit covers; lighting fixtures; lamps; network interface device housings; transformer housings; air conditioning unit housings; public transportation exteriors or seats; train, subway, or bus exteriors or seats; meter housings; antenna housings; satellite dish exteriors; coated helmets and personal protective equipment; coated synthetic or natural fibers; coated painted articles; coated dyed articles; coated fluorescent articles; coated foam articles; medical device housings; battery housings for electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and home and industrial electronic devices; electric vehicle charging device components, such as wall box housings, connectors, etc.; wireless charging device components; electronic device protective covers; kitchen appliance components; and similar applications.

[0068] The compositions of the present disclosure can be particularly useful for consumer electronics applications. For example, the articles can be components of consumer electronics, such as game consoles, game controllers, portable game devices, mobile phones, televisions, personal computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, portable media players, digital cameras, portable music players, home appliances, power tools, robots, toys, greeting cards, home entertainment systems, speakers, or sound bars. In one embodiment, the articles can be electronic housings for adapters, mobile phones, smartphones, GPS devices, laptop computers, tablet computers, e-readers, copiers, or solar devices.

[0069] In one embodiment, the article can be a laser-welded article. For example, the above-described components or articles can be assembled into an article by laser welding. For example, a process for welding a first article comprising the composition to a second thermoplastic article can include physically contacting at least a portion of the surface of the first article with at least a portion of the surface of the second thermoplastic article and irradiating the first article with laser radiation, such that the radiation passes through the first article, is absorbed by the second article, and generates sufficient heat to weld the first article to the second article. The second thermoplastic article can include a wide variety of thermoplastic polymer compositions that have been made laser-absorbent by means known to those skilled in the art, including the use of additives and / or colorants, such as, but not limited to, carbon black. Exemplary polymer compositions may include, but are not limited to, olefin polymers such as polyethylene and its copolymers and terpolymers, polybutylene and its copolymers and terpolymers, polypropylene and its copolymers and terpolymers; alpha-olefin polymers such as linear or substantially linear interpolymers of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin, and atactic poly(alpha-olefin); rubbery block copolymers; polyamides; polyimides; polyesters such as poly(arylates), poly(ethylene terephthalate), and poly(butylene terephthalate); vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl esters such as polyvinyl acetate; acrylic homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers; epoxy resins, polycarbonates, polyester-polycarbonates; polystyrene; poly(arylene ethers), such as poly(phenylene ethers); polyurethanes; phenoxy resins; polysulfones; polyethers; acetal resins; polyoxyethylene; and combinations thereof. More specifically, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene copolymers, polypropylene, propylene copolymers, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyester-polycarbonates, polyamides, poly(arylene ethers), and combinations thereof.In certain embodiments, the second article includes an olefin polymer, polyamide, polyimide, polystyrene, polyarylene ether, polyurethane, phenoxy resin, polysulfone, polyether, acetal resin, polyester, vinyl polymer, acrylic, epoxy, polycarbonate, polyester-polycarbonate, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the second article can include a polycarbonate homopolymer or copolymer, a polyester homopolymer or copolymer, such as a poly(carbonate-ester), and a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a laser-welded article comprising a first component comprising the thermoplastic composition of the present disclosure, laser-welded to a second component comprising the above-described second thermoplastic composition.

[0070] The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. [Example]

[0071] The materials used in the following examples are listed in Table 1.

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] The components of the composition were compounded and extruded. Molded parts for physical testing were prepared by injection molding. The test methods are listed in Table 2 below.

[0074] [Table 2]

[0075] Flammability testing was performed according to the procedures in Underwriter's Laboratory Bulletin 94, "Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances" (ISBN 0-7629-0082-2, 5th Edition, October 29, 1996, incorporating previous revisions, including December 12, 2003). Several ratings can be applied based on burn rate, extinguishment time, ability to resist drip, and whether the drip is burning. According to this procedure, materials are classified as UL94 HB, V0, VI, V2, 5VA, or 5VB. Specimens were aged for more than two days at 23°C and 50% RH or 168 hours at 70°C before testing. Specifically, sets of five flame specimens were tested using the UL94 20-mm vertical flame test. For each specimen, the time required for the specimen to self-extinguish after exposure to flame (the initial exposure time, t1) was recorded. The specimen was then exposed to flame again, and the time required for the specimen to self-extinguish after exposure to flame (the second exposure time, t2) and the time after glow (the afterglow time, t3) were recorded. To achieve a V-0 rating, the exposure times t1 and t2 for each specimen must be 10 seconds or less, the total exposure time for all five specimens (t1 + t2 for all five specimens) must be 50 seconds or less, the second exposure time + afterglow time (t2 + t3) for each specimen must be 30 seconds or less, no specimen must burn or blaze up to the clamp, and the cotton indicator must not be ignited by flame particles or droplets. To achieve a V-1 rating, the post-flame times t1 and t2 for each individual specimen must be 30 seconds or less, the total post-flame time for all five specimens (t1 + t2 for all five specimens) must be 250 seconds or less, the second post-flame time + afterglow time (t2 + t3) for each individual specimen must be 60 seconds or less, no specimen may burn or flare up to the position of the holding clamp, and the cotton indicator may not be ignited by flame particles or drips.To achieve a V-2 rating, the post-flame times t1 and t2 for each individual specimen must be 30 seconds or less, the total post-flame time for all five specimens (t1 + t2 for all five specimens) must be 250 seconds or less, the second post-flame time + afterglow time (t2 + t3) for each individual specimen must be 60 seconds or less, and no specimen may burn or burst into flame to the position of the holding clamp, but the cotton indicator may be ignited by flame particles or droplets.

[0076] Environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) describes the accelerated failure of polymeric materials as a result of the combined effects of environment, temperature, and stress. Failure is primarily determined by the properties of the material, chemicals, exposure conditions, and the magnitude of stress. ISO tensile bars were clamped in a semicircular fixture and subjected to a constant strain of 1.0%. The bars were then exposed to the chemicals at 23°C for a predefined time. After cleaning, the tensile properties were measured at 50 mm / min at room temperature on the ASTM D638 standard tensile bars.

[0077] <Examples 1 to 3> Table 5 shows the compositions and properties of Examples 1-3. As can be seen from Table 5, the color (i.e., L*, a*, and b*) values ​​unexpectedly improved as the molecular weight of the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate component increased. The amount of each component is expressed as a weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

[0078] [Table 3]

[0079] Table 5 shows that the use of a high molecular weight bisphenol A homopolycarbonate further provides good chemical resistance. When PC-3 was used as the primary polycarbonate component (Comparative Example 3), multiple failures were observed at 1% strain after two days of exposure to insect repellent spray. Similarly, when the composition was exposed to sunscreen spray, two of the five samples prematurely failed at 1% strain after five days of exposure. In contrast, the higher molecular weight homopolycarbonate provided improved chemical resistance.

[0080] <Examples 5 to 8> Table 7 shows the compositions and properties of Examples 5-8. As can be seen from Table 6, when a combination of high molecular weight bisphenol A homopolycarbonates was used, the color (i.e., L*, a*, and b*) values ​​unexpectedly improved as the molecular weight of the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate component increased. Interestingly, the color of the compositions was observed to improve even when a large amount of dye was included (e.g., comparing Examples 2 and 4, Example 4 shows color improvement with changes in colorant and loading). Notably, L* values ​​could be reduced to "deep black" colors below 10, which are typically difficult to achieve. Table 6 shows, for example, that the use of polycarbonate components with molecular weights of 26,000 g / mol or greater, or 27,000 g / mol or greater, or 28,000 g / mol or greater can provide desirable L* values ​​for polycarbonate compositions. The amount of each component is expressed as a weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

[0081] [Table 4]

[0082] <Examples 8 and 9> Table 7 shows the compositions and properties of Examples 8 and 9, comparing different types of PC-Si copolymers (e.g., PC-Si-1 with 20% siloxane and PC-Si-2 with 40% siloxane). The amount of each component is expressed as a weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

[0083] [Table 5]

[0084] Table 7 shows that a unique balance of MVR and MV can be achieved when PC-Si-2 is used in combination with homopolycarbonates having molecular weights of 28,000 g / mol or greater. Surprisingly, despite the significantly lower MVR, the MV of the compositions is comparable, indicating that the compositions of the present disclosure retain good processability.

[0085] Comparative Example 8 is MVR and 5000s -1 Based on the MV at 1000 s, this is considered an excellent injection molding grade polycarbonate. However, as shown in Table 7, it does not provide the chemical resistance required for some applications. In contrast, in the case of Example 9, the use of a PC-Si copolymer with a higher siloxane content and a higher molecular weight homopolycarbonate provides a composition that can advantageously meet specific color and chemical resistance requirements. It should be noted that at first glance, the composition according to Example 9 appears to have lower flowability than Comparative Example 8 when looking at the MVR alone. However, during processing, the material's flowability improves as the shear rate increases beyond 5000 s. -1 This is better represented by the MV values ​​in the above cases, which show that Example 9 only differs by about 10% compared to the viscosity of Comparative Example 8, which would be considered substantially the same by one skilled in the art.

[0086] <Examples 10 to 13> Table 8 shows the compositions according to Examples 10 to 13 and the effect of polycarbonate-siloxane content on various properties. Table 8 shows that increasing the PC-Si content decreases MVR, but does not significantly affect MV, indicating good processability (at higher shear rates, 5000 s -1 and 100s -1 (An opposite trend is observed at shear rates of 10-15%, suggesting improved processability.) The data also show that color deteriorates when the amount of PC-Si is increased, but low L* values ​​are still achieved. The addition of PC-Si-2, for example at a content of 10-15%, can affect chemical resistance tests, but the results show that increasing the amount of PC-Si significantly improves chemical resistance.

[0087] [Table 6]

[0088] The present disclosure further encompasses the following aspects.

[0089] Aspect 1: A polycarbonate composition comprising 80 to 90 weight percent of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater, as measured by gel permeation chromatography versus a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard, and 10 to 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer, wherein the polycarbonate composition comprises less than 5 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent.

[0090] Embodiment 2: The polycarbonate composition of embodiment 1, wherein the polycarbonate composition has a 10 cm tensile strength measured in accordance with ISO 1133 under a load of 2.16 kg, at 300° C., and a dwell time of 300 seconds. 3A polycarbonate composition having a melt volume rate of 10 minutes or less.

[0091] Embodiment 3: The polycarbonate composition of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the polycarbonate composition has a 10 cm tensile strength measured in accordance with ISO 1133 under a load of 2.16 kg, at 300° C., and a dwell time of 300 seconds. 3 Melt volume rate of 5000s / 10 min or less, measured at 300°C in accordance with ISO 11443 -1 A polycarbonate composition having a melt viscosity of 200 Pa·s or less at a shear rate of 1000 Pa·s or less.

[0092] Aspect 4: The polycarbonate composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate has a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 45,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards.

[0093] Embodiment 5: The polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate comprises: a first linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 32,000 to 38,000 grams / mole, preferably 34,000 to 36,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards; or a second linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 32,000 grams / mole, preferably 30,000 to 31,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards; or a combination thereof.

[0094] Aspect 6: The polycarbonate composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, further comprising a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol, preferably 20,000 to 22,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography versus linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards, with the proviso that the weight ratio of the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater to the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol is greater than 1:1, preferably greater than 2:1.

[0095] Aspect 7: The polycarbonate composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer has a siloxane content of 35 to 65 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer.

[0096] Embodiment 8: The polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer comprises bisphenol A carbonate repeat units and poly(dimethylsiloxane) repeat units.

[0097] Embodiment 9: The polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 21,000 to 50,000 g / mol, or 25,000 to 45,000 g / mol, or 30,000 to 45,000 g / mol, or 32,000 to 43,000 g / mol, or 35,000 to 40,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography using a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column at a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter and calibrated with bisphenol A polycarbonate standards.

[0098] Embodiment 10: The polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the polycarbonate composition does not include a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content less than 30 weight percent.

[0099] Embodiment 11: The polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising 0.1 to 10 weight percent of an additive composition, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition; preferably, the additive composition comprises an anti-drip agent, a flame retardant, a colorant composition, or a combination thereof; more preferably, the additive composition comprises 0.05 to 1 weight percent of an inorganic flame retardant, preferably C 1~16 A polycarbonate composition comprising a sulfonate, more preferably potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate (Rimar's salt), potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate, tetraethylammonium perfluorohexanesulfonate, and potassium diphenylsulfonesulfonate, or a combination thereof, and optionally comprising 0.01 to 1 weight percent of an anti-drip additive.

[0100] Aspect 12: The polycarbonate composition of any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein a molded sample of the composition further comprises a flame retardant and exhibits a UL-94 rating of V0 at a thickness of 1.5 millimeters or less, and preferably exhibits a UL-94 rating of V0 at a thickness of 1.2 millimeters or less.

[0101] Embodiment 13: The polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein a molded sample of the composition exhibits an L* value of 10 or less, or a tensile strain at break, after exposure to a sunscreen or insect repellent, that is at least 50% of the tensile strain at break of an unexposed reference sample, when measured in reflectance mode using the CIE Lab method, 10 degree observation angle, D65 illuminant, excluding specular light, or both.

[0102] Embodiment 14: A method of making the polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, comprising melt-mixing the components of the composition, and optionally extruding the composition.

[0103]

[0033] Embodiment 15: An article comprising the polycarbonate composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 13.

[0104] The compositions, methods, and articles can optionally comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable material, step, or component disclosed herein. The compositions, methods, and articles can additionally or alternatively be formulated to be free of, or substantially free of, any material (or species), step, or ingredient that is not necessary to achieve the function or purpose of the compositions, methods, and articles.

[0105] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. "Combinations" include blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Terms such as "first," "second," and the like do not denote order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "a," "an," and "the" do not denote limitations of quantity and should be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. "Or" means "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" mean that the particular element described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein and may or may not be present in other embodiments. As used herein, the term "combinations thereof" is open, including one or more of the listed elements and permitting the presence of one or more similar elements, but not named. It is further understood that the listed elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

[0106] Unless otherwise specified herein, all test standards are the latest standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0107] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in this application contradicts or conflicts with a term in an incorporated reference, the term in this application shall take precedence over the conflicting term in the incorporated reference.

[0108] Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. For example, any position not substituted by any indicated group is understood to have its valency satisfied by the indicated bond or hydrogen atom. A dash ("-") that is not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate the point of attachment of a substituent. For example, -CHO is attached through the carbon of a carbonyl group.

[0109] As used herein, the term "hydrocarbyl," whether used by itself or as a prefix, suffix, or fragment of another term, refers to a residue containing only carbon and hydrogen. The residue may be aliphatic or aromatic, straight-chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, or unsaturated. It may also contain a combination of aliphatic, aromatic, straight-chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched, saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties. However, when a hydrocarbyl residue is described as substituted, it may optionally contain heteroatoms in addition to the carbon and hydrogen members of the substituent residue. Thus, particularly when described as substituted, the hydrocarbyl residue may also contain one or more carbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, etc., or may contain heteroatoms within the backbone of the hydrocarbyl residue. The term "alkyl" refers to a branched or straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, s-pentyl, and n- and s-hexyl. "Alkenyl" refers to a straight- or branched-chain monovalent hydrocarbon group having at least one carbon-carbon double bond, such as ethenyl (-HC=CH). "Alkoxy" refers to an alkyl group attached through oxygen (i.e., alkyl-O-), such as methoxy, ethoxy, and sec-butyloxy groups. "Alkylene" refers to a straight- or branched-chain saturated divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group, such as methylene (-CH-) or propylene (-(CH)-). "Cycloalkylene" refers to a divalent cyclic alkylene group, -C n H 2n-xwhere x is the number of hydrogens replaced by the cyclization. "Cycloalkenyl" refers to a monovalent group having one or more rings and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds within the ring, where all ring members are carbon (e.g., cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl). "Aryl" refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon group containing a specified number of carbon atoms, such as phenyl, tropone, indanyl, or naphthyl. "Arylene" refers to a divalent aryl group. "Alkylarylene" refers to an arylene group substituted with an alkyl group. "Arylalkylene" refers to an alkylene group substituted with an aryl group (e.g., benzyl). The prefix "halo" refers to a group or compound containing one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo substituents. Combinations of different halo atoms (e.g., bromo and fluoro) or only chloro atoms can be present. The prefix "hetero" means that the compound or group contains at least one ring member that is a heteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms), each heteroatom being independently N, O, S, Si, or P. "Substituted" means that the compound or group contains, each independently, C in place of a hydrogen. 1~9 Alkoxy, C 1~9 Haloalkoxy, nitro (-NO2), cyano (-CN), C 1~6 Alkylsulfonyl (-S(=O)2-alkyl), C 6~12 Arylsulfonyl (-S(=O)2-aryl), thiol (-SH), thiocyano (-SCN), tosyl (CH3C6H4SO2-), C 3~12 Cycloalkyl, C 2~12 Alkenyl, C 5~12 Cycloalkenyl, C 6~12 Aryl, C 7~13 Aryl alkylene, C 4~12 Heterocycloalkyl, and C 3~12 Heteroaryl means substituted with at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) substituents, which may be heteroaryl, but not exceeding the normal valence of the substituted atom. The number of carbon atoms shown in the group excludes any optional substituents. For example, -CHCHCN is a C alkyl group substituted with a nitrile.

[0110] While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, variations, modifications, improvements, and substantial equivalents may occur to applicant or those skilled in the art that are presently unforeseen or impossible to conceive, and it is accordingly intended that the appended claims, as filed and as they may be amended, shall embrace all such alternatives, variations, modifications, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. 80 to 90 weight percent of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard; and A polycarbonate composition comprising 10 to 20 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer. A polycarbonate composition comprising less than 5 weight percent of a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent.

2. 10. The polycarbonate composition of claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate composition has a 10 cm 2 melt strength measured in accordance with ISO 1133 at 300°C under a load of 2.16 kg and a dwell time of 300 seconds. ３ A polycarbonate composition having a melt volume rate of 10 minutes or less.

3. 3. The polycarbonate composition according to claim 1, wherein the polycarbonate composition has a 10 cm 2 viscosity measured in accordance with ISO 1133 at 300°C under a load of 2.16 kg and a dwell time of 300 seconds. ３ / 10 min or less melt volume rate, and 5000 s measured at 300 °C according to ISO 11443 －１ A polycarbonate composition characterized by having a melt viscosity of 200 Pa·s or less at a shear rate of 1000 Pa·s or less.

4. 4. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate has a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 45,000 grams per mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard.

5. 5. The polycarbonate composition according to claim 1, wherein the bisphenol A homopolycarbonate is a first linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 32,000 to 38,000 grams / mole, preferably 34,000 to 36,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard; or a second linear bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 29,000 to 32,000 grams / mole, preferably 30,000 to 31,000 grams / mole, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against a linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standard; or A polycarbonate composition comprising these combinations.

6. 6. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol, preferably 20,000 to 22,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography against linear bisphenol A polycarbonate standards, with the proviso that the weight ratio of bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of 28,000 g / mol or greater to bisphenol A homopolycarbonate having a molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000 g / mol is greater than 1:1, preferably greater than 2:

1.

7. 7. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer has a siloxane content of 35 to 65 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer.

8. 8. The polycarbonate composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer comprises bisphenol A carbonate repeat units and poly(dimethylsiloxane) repeat units.

9. 9. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 21,000 to 50,000 g / mol, or 25,000 to 45,000 g / mol, or 30,000 to 45,000 g / mol, or 32,000 to 43,000 g / mol, or 35,000 to 40,000 g / mol, as measured by gel permeation chromatography using a crosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene column at a sample concentration of 1 milligram per milliliter and calibrated with bisphenol A polycarbonate standards.

10. 10. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the polycarbonate composition does not contain a polycarbonate-siloxane copolymer having a siloxane content of less than 30 weight percent.

11. 11. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising 0.1 to 10 weight percent of an additive composition, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition; Preferably, the additive composition comprises an anti-drip agent, a flame retardant, a colorant composition, or a combination thereof; More preferably, the additive composition comprises 0.05 to 1 weight percent of an inorganic flame retardant, preferably C １～１６ sulfonates, more preferably potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate (Rimar salt), potassium perfluorooctanesulfonate, tetraethylammonium perfluorohexanesulfonate, and potassium diphenylsulfonesulfonate, or combinations thereof; A polycarbonate composition optionally comprising 0.01 to 1 weight percent of an anti-drip additive.

12. 12. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a flame retardant, wherein a molded sample of the composition exhibits a UL-94 rating of V0 at a thickness of 1.5 millimeters or less, preferably a UL-94 rating of V0 at a thickness of 1.2 millimeters or less.

13. 13. The polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a molded sample of the composition has an L* value of 10 or less when measured in reflectance mode using the CIE Lab method, a 10 degree observation angle, a D65 illuminant, and excluding specular light; or a tensile strain at break that is at least 50% of the tensile strain at break of an unexposed reference sample after exposure to a sunscreen or insect repellent or both.

14. 13. A method for producing the polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising melt-mixing the components of the composition and optionally extruding the composition.

15. An article comprising the polycarbonate composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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